Let's Stop Hunger Together With KHCF X Stop Hunger Now

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Hi, friends! First and foremost, happy Thanksgiving! I hope you're having an absolutely wonderful day surrounded by friends and family, lots of delicious food, and hearty laughter. Thanksgiving is hands-down my favorite holiday. In light of the season, I think it's finally time to share something very near and dear to my heart. Remember that trip to Chicago I mentioned a few weeks ago? Well, I'm so excited to finally reveal all my whereabouts: a super special project with the Kraft Heinz Company Foundation!

As you may know, Kraft Heinz is one of the largest food companies in the world. They are behind some of our biggest food brands in the supermarkets, and I can almost guarantee that you have something from them in your pantry or fridge. As one of the largest food companies, the Kraft Heinz Company Foundation (KHCF) has teamed up with a leading global nonprofit organization, Stop Hunger Now, with a mission to combat not just world hunger, but also malnutrition.

Some Facts to Know:

1. Hunger is different than malnutrition.

2. One in nine people around the world do not have enough food to stay nourished.

3. Hunger affects nearly 800 million people around the globe.

The numbers are pretty striking, don't you think? KHCF informed me they're making great efforts to reduce these numbers. First, they developed an innovative, tasteless, micronutrient powder with 19 essential vitamins and minerals that recipients can sprinkle on their food to combat malnutrition. (How cool is that?!) Second, they sponsor Stop Hunger Now to host meal packaging events around the country.

The KHCF graciously hosted my stay in Chicago to learn more about these efforts and even take part in one of their meal packaging events (a.k.a. "Meal Packing Parties") with seven other college bloggers from around the country. I had the pleasure of getting to know each one of these ladies on a more personal level, and my oh my, they are super inspirational!

Although you already know lots of fun things I did from my 24 Hours in Chicago post, I am absolutely thrilled to share all the details of my day with Kraft Heinz X Stop Hunger Now with you, my personal experience with one of their Meal Packing Parties, and how Y-O-U can get involved!

Kraft Heinz is located in the Aon Center right across Millenium Park in Chicago. The other ladies on this trip and I walked to the office, and we were graced with beautiful weather! I was told the Kraft Heinz office is located on the 76th floor. Not gonna lie, I almost fell backwards when I tilted my head up to try to see the top of the building!

With such a tall building, you can bet the office boasts a stunning view of the city! Upon arrival at the office, we had breakfast and a quick briefing of the day. We changed into our t-shirts and toured the space where the event would be held! Aren't these ladies beautiful?!

I was so impressed with how easily Kraft Heinz was able to transform their space for the event. We didn't need any fancy equipment: just a sizable space with tables, some simple supplies, and able + willing bodies! Below are some of the supplies and ingredients we needed for the meals!

After a quick introduction from the CEO of Kraft Heinz and even a U.S. Senator, we were given a quick lesson on how to actually package the meals. We threw our hair up in hairnets, slipped on some gloves, and got straight to packing! Us college gals had the pleasure of working alongside many enthusiastic Kraft Heinz employees! My job was to dump in a level scoop of soy (the more yellow-looking product) into packages. There was fun music playing, and it really did feel like a party! The workers around me deemed me as the "dancing girl". Haha!

Although I stayed at the same station for my one-hour shift, there was lots going on at other stations, including correction weighing and shipment stations! It was so incredible seeing how these packages were created, sealed, and put into boxes ready to be shipped!

In just one shift, we packaged over 45,000 meals. Crazy, right?! It was so fulfilling to see boxes full of food stacked high ready to be shipped off to 35+ countries around the world! After the event, we made sure to drink lots of water and get in lots of photos of our big smiles!

The best part of this trip was knowing how everyone had such passion for this cause. From the other bloggers, Kraft Heinz employees, to upper management, it was incredible seeing how everyone worked towards the same goal. I took my flight back home shortly after, but you can sure bet I wanted to stay!

I feel so grateful I have the opportunity to use this platform to spread the word about a cause so much greater than me. As we enjoy our Thanksgiving, I encourage each and every one of you to join me in making sure people are being around the world are fed and nourished! If you're interested in learning more about this cause or even hosting a Packing Party, please leave me a comment or email me at sarah@thebellainsider.com. I'd be so happy to answer any of your questions! As always, thank you so much for making me a part of your day. I feel so humbled and honored that you take the time to visit this little space of mine on the Internet.

Thank you to Kraft Heinz for sponsoring my trip to Chicago, IL for the meal packaging event.